Chasing big games: Travelling the world for the love of sports

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Last year, some Bollywood and cricket stars were spotted attending matches at Wimbledon 2015. Deepika Padukone and Anushka Sharma joined cricket stars like Sachin Tendulkar at the Centre court where Roger Federer battled Novak Djokovic for the top honours, Farhan Akhtar and Huma Qureshi were noticed cheering for Sania Mirza. Post-fits, these stars have been visible exploring the lanes of London and having a high-quality time with the circle of relatives.

The trigger for the journey might also be the Wimbledon. In the long run, the result becomes a well-rounded ride that gave our Bollywood and cricket stars a slice of serve and volley at green courts and a flavor of existence in the city. Celebrities have been making such trips for quite a while. However, the curious and sport-loving Indians with deep pockets have started following in their footsteps. They’re now actually chasing the huge video games!

Making plans for one’s tour itinerary around the foremost sports occasion has become famous, say insiders inside the travel enterprise. Indians are acknowledged to be passionate fans when it comes to sports. And these days, their love for sports isn’t always limited to cricket. From F1 and Wimbledon to the English greatest Leagues and NBA, they cross the equator to observe their favored groups and gamers in motion.
Also, read five excellent places in New Zealand where Lord of the Earrings Became shot.” People do not need to be mere television viewers and wish to enjoy the electric surroundings of a stadium amidst thousands of different global enthusiasts. This adds a refreshingly new twist to exploring a vacation spot. Once you get the taste of this thrilling revel, you will ensure your annual holidays are only planned through a sports event,” says Shashank Shekhar Mishra, CEO of Veda Sports Activities Marketing Private confined.

There is an increase in the number of travellers now planning their itineraries around sports events. Picture courtesy: Mail Today
Rise of sports activities, tourist

The “new-age” sports activities fanatic isn’t a run-of-the-mill traveler. “Sports guests are extra evolved travelers. For them, going for a major game is a larger-than-life occasion. They generally journey in a group or with families. The game becomes part of a bigger excursion. The study and training sessions each element, from accommodations to exploring locations. Additionally, they are high spenders who opt for staying for an extended duration,” says Sharat Dhall, President of Yatra.com.

In advance, it was a form of area of interest journey. However, past due, the numbers are rising. “We’ve visible keen hobby from sports activities aficionados for mega wearing occasions no longer simply to observe the suits stay on the floor, but also to discover the pleasant range that those locations provide,” says Rajeev D. Kale, President & us of a Head – leisure travel, MICE, Thomas prepare dinner (India) Ltd.

“What is also becoming popular are tours to stadiums and dressing rooms of the groups. It is widespread for vacationers to go to The Oval, antique Trafford, San Siro Stadium, MCG, Lords, and so on,” says Kartik Bakshi, AVP, income & Operations, TravelTriangle.
The “brag value” of touring an international vacation spot and watching the fave crew or player live has also been a sturdy motivational component.

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Interested in the adrenaline
Those sports activities occasions are increasingly more interesting for MICE organizations, too. “We’ve seen strong interest from corporates for our occasion packages to The Olympics, IPL, F1-GP events, Wimbledon. To draw guests, we even upload factors like our super vehicle drive in Germany to the ride,” says Kale.
With a chain of essential sports activities events, 2016 will be the 12 months of sports visitors. “Our sales groups have indicated a robust uptake of over 15 percent in queries for mega-wearing occasions, which includes Wimbledon, Olympics, FIFA, Grand Prix, soccer, golf, F1, tennis, and so on,” says Kale.

A sports event also allows the host nation to shine on the sector map and improve its tourism game through such global events.
“A perfect instance of this may be the substantial attempt and contributions shown by Tourism forums of Australia & New Zealand during the ICC Cricket International Cup 2015. Unmarried visa policy amongst those nations ensured all travelers visited each nation,” says Mishra.
With months before the Rio Olympics, sports activity enthusiasts have already begun searching out deals and destinations to discover.